Does my friend need to buy BfA to play Shadowlands?

[Avikur]

My friend last played during Legion, he wants to come back for Shadowlands, does he need to buy BfA or if he waits until Shadowlands is out and buys that then will he get BfA included?

[potis]

My friend last played during Legion, he wants to come back for Shadowlands, does he need to buy BfA or if he waits until Shadowlands is out and buys that then will he get BfA included?

Second part.

[MatPandaZ]

Yeah as soon as prepatch drops BFA should be included in the free bundle.

[Avikur]

Second part.

Thank you. So if he buys shadowlands will he be able to play BfA content when the pre patch is out or would he have to wait until 27th October?

Edit: just seen above, thanks